Launch and seminar: Arctic Test Arena
We hosted a unique two-day programme in Narvik, 4–5 November, to celebrate the official launch of the Arctic Test Arena – a Norwegian–Swedish initiative for testing and developing railway technology in extreme Arctic conditions.
Over the course of two days, participants experienced a technical train journey along Ofotbanen and Malmbanan, gained first-hand insights into test activities, and took part in a dedicated seminar and laboratory visit at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway. This was a unique opportunity to share knowledge, reflect on lessons learned, and strengthen European collaboration for the railway of the future.
See LinkedIn post from the launch.
Programme and presentations
Programme 4–5 November 2025
08.45–09.00: Official Opening Ceremony – Narvik Station (with key partners)
- Marit Rønning – Acting Director General, Jernbanedirektoratet
- Sébastien Denis – Senior Program Manager, Europe’s Rail JU
- Thor Brækkan – Regional Director North, Bane NOR
- Anders Aabakken – Head of Technology & Environment, Trafikverket
- Bjørn Reidar Sørensen – Dean, The Arctic University of Norway (UiT)
- Veronica Jägare – Director JVTC, Luleå University of Technology (LTU)
- Bjørn Skjold Iversen – Vice President, SINTEF
09.00–14.00: Arctic Innovation Train Journey – Demonstrations & Field Presentations at selected stops
- About the Arctic Test Arena – Ann Kristin Bjerknes, Project Leader, Jernbanedirektoratet
- Historical background – Ofotbanen and Malmbanan – Thor Brækkan, Regional Director North, Bane NOR
- Europe’s Rail Søsterbekk Instrumentation & Structural Monitoring – Preben Sæthre Program Manager and Stefano Derosa, Project Leader IAM4RAIL Europe’s Rail Norway/Jernbanedirektoratet, and Rune Nilsen, Research Leader SINTEF Narvik
- Snow, Ice & Winter Resilience – Per Arne Sundsbø Dr. Ing., UiT
- Research and test activities in Sweden – Veronica Jägare, Director, JVTC/LTU
- Fiber Sensing (DAS), Measurement of magnetic fields, and Availability simulations (RAMS) – Matti Rantatalo, professor, LTU
- Digital Condition Monitoring from Trains – Björn Dellås, Senior Advisor, Trafikverket
- Heavy Trains – 32.5 t Axle Load Testing Tor Gunnar Pedersen, Project Manager, Bane NOR
- Hydronic Heating for Switches – Bane NOR
18.30–21.30: Networking Dinner – UiT Narvik
09.00–09.10: Welcome to Arctic Test Arena Seminar and UiT
- Bjørn Reidar Sørensen, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology, UiT
09.10–10.00: Derailment on Malmbanan 2023 – Lessons for Safety & Resilience
- Malin Syk – Head of Track Systems, Trafikverket
- Jan Lundgren – Head of Strategy Logistics, LKAB
- Peter Melander – Sr. VP Business Development, Railway Metrics & Dynamics
- Wolfgang Birk – CTO & Professor, Predge
- Dan Larsson – CEO, DAMILL AB
- Veronica Jägare – Director, JVTC/LTU (Panel Moderator)
10.15–11.15: Research and test activities – ongoing and potential
- Testing on Ofotbanen – Svetlana Lorentzen, Track Engineer, Bane NOR
- Mining and Civil Engineering Lab and bridge research at LTU, Lennart Elfgren, Senior Professor, LTU
- BIM, Rail Data Space & C-DAS Isabelle Tardy, Project Leader Motional, EU Rail Norway
- AI Factory for Railway –Ramin Karim, Professor and Head of Subject, LTU
- Research Infrastructure of National Significance – Rune Nilsen, Research Leader, SINTEF
- Fiber Infrastructure – Rune Brannfjell, Head of Operational Support, Bane NOR
11.30–12.00: Arctic Test Arena: Ambition and collaboration
- Ann Kristin Bjerknes – Project Leader Arctic Test Arena, Jernbanedirektoratet
- Björn Dellås – Senior Advisor, Trafikverket
- Rune Brannfjell – Head of Operational Support, Bane NOR
- Rune Nilsen – Research Leader, SINTEF Narvik
- Leif-Gunnar Hanssen – Project Manager, UiT
- Veronica Jägare – Director JVTC/LTU
- Preben Sæthre, Program Leader Europe’s Rail Norway, Jernbanedirektoratet
12.00–12.30: Lab Visit – UiT Rail Technology Labs
- Concrete & Aggregates – Boy-Arne Persson-Buyle, UiT
- Industrial Technology Lab – Ståle Herving, UiT
- 3D Print / XR / Drone – UiT
12.30–13.00: Lunch UiT
The event was hosted by
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